Gerry Frank's picks: Riverhouse on the Deschutes has everything you need on a visit to Bend

Riverhouse on the Deschutes is located right on the banks of the river

(Thomas Boyd/2015)

The Bend Fall Festival has been a local tradition for 25 years now! If you were not one of the roughly 40,000 people who attended the event September 30 through October 2, here are some ideas to take advantage of on your next Bend trip:

Book your stay at the newly reimagined Riverhouse on the Deschutes (3075 N. Business 97, Bend; 541-389-3111, 866-453-4480; riverhouse.com). Located right on the banks of the Deschutes River, you won't have to go far to enjoy magnificent scenic views! Indoor and outdoor heated pools and spas, as well as the adjacent 18-hole golf course, keep the whole family busy. With direct access right from the resort, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy dog walking, hiking, running and good ol' exploration on the Deschutes River Trail. Many of the redesigned guest rooms include personal balconies overlooking the river and stone fireplaces. Accommodations are now more guest-focused, featuring modernized entryways for those who ski, snowboard or bike, improved workspaces for business travelers and a completely redesigned dining area. Currents (currentsbend.com) is the new and improved restaurant and lounge that has replaced Crossings with a focus on regionally-sourced Pacific Northwest cuisine. The outdoor patio is inviting overlooking the river, with a fireplace and heaters to keep you warm and another inside to get cozy. The interior is classy, yet casual. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., with menu offerings ranging from healthy to sweet and savory like the pudding French toast and chicken-fried chicken. Lunch hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menu options include soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, mac and cheese and flatbread varieties. Dinner hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; offerings play off the lunch menu with the addition of chicken, seafood, steak and vegetarian entrees. The lounge is open until 10 p.m. With 16 handcrafted beers on tap, an innovative cocktail list and carefully selected Northwest regional wines, you are sure to end your evening in comfort!

If you prefer to wander into downtown Bend, 900 Wall (900 N.W. Wall Street, Bend; 541-323-6295; 900wall.com) is a fantastic choice for dinner; also, newly renovated! Chef Cliff Eslinger serves up Pacific Northwest cuisine with French and Italian influences. Fresh, quality ingredients are evident with every dish down to their freshly-juiced cocktails. You'll find mouthwatering ribs, fresh oysters, stone oven pizzas, risotto, the signature 900 Wall burger and more on the menu. Dessert options are just as good and feature housemade ice creams and sorbets! The wine list is extensive, and they claim to have one of the best whiskey menus in all of Bend. Happy hour is a must, served 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., restaurant hours extended to 9 p.m. or close; open daily. Reservations are recommended as this hot spot gets quite busy.